Kernels: Difference between revisions
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Alpine Linux has several kernels (see {{Pkg|linux-*}}) designed to suit different situations. | Alpine Linux has several kernels (see {{Pkg|linux-*}}) designed to suit different situations. | ||
* {{Pkg|linux-lts}} | * {{Pkg|linux-lts}} — Stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware, uses Linux's long-term support kernel | ||
* {{Pkg|linux-virt}} ({{Pkg|linux-lts}}, see the -virt configs) | * {{Pkg|linux-virt}} — Recommended for Alpine Linux guests, disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers. ({{Pkg|linux-lts}}, see the -virt configs) | ||
* {{pkg|linux-rpi|arch=}} | * {{Pkg|linux-stable}} — Vanilla kernel like {{pkg|linux-lts}}, following stable linux releases instead of LTS. <i>Only supported in <code>community</code></i> | ||
* {{pkg|linux-rpi|arch=}} — Optimized for the Raspberry Pi. <i>For Alpine 3.18 and older there is also {{pkg|linux-rpi2|branch=v3.18|arch=}} and {{pkg|linux-rpi4|branch=v3.18|arch=}} optimized for the Raspberry Pi 2 and 4 respectively.</i> | |||
* {{Pkg|linux-openpax}} — Kernel with OpenPAX patches which provide a layer of defense against memory safety-related vulnerabilities. | |||
For installing a custom kernel, see [[Custom Kernel]]. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with {{ic|apk add}} before running {{ic|setup-alpine}}. | For installing a custom kernel, see [[Custom Kernel]]. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with {{ic|apk add}} before running {{ic|setup-alpine}}. | ||
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== Experimental Kernels == | == Experimental Kernels == | ||
Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at own risk. | Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at your own risk. | ||
* {{pkg|linux-asahi|arch=aarch64}} | * {{pkg|linux-asahi|arch=aarch64}} — Apple Silicon devices, see https://asahilinux.org/ | ||
* {{pkg|linux-elm|arch=aarch64}} | * {{pkg|linux-elm|arch=aarch64}} — Elm chromebooks | ||
* {{pkg|linux-gru|arch=aarch64}} | * {{pkg|linux-gru|arch=aarch64}} — Gru chromebooks | ||
* {{pkg|linux-sophgo|arch=riscv64}} — Sophgo RISC-V SoC's | |||
* {{pkg|linux-p550|arch=riscv64}} — SiFive P550 RISC-V SoC's | |||
* {{pkg|linux-starfive|arch=riscv64}} — Starfive RISC-V SoC's | |||
* {{pkg|linux-spacemit|arch=riscv64}} — SpacemiT RISC-V SoC's | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 12:49, 18 June 2025
Alpine Linux has several kernels (see linux-*) designed to suit different situations.
- linux-lts — Stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware, uses Linux's long-term support kernel
- linux-virt — Recommended for Alpine Linux guests, disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers. (linux-lts, see the -virt configs)
- linux-stable — Vanilla kernel like linux-lts, following stable linux releases instead of LTS. Only supported in
community - linux-rpi — Optimized for the Raspberry Pi. For Alpine 3.18 and older there is also linux-rpi2 and linux-rpi4 optimized for the Raspberry Pi 2 and 4 respectively.
- linux-openpax — Kernel with OpenPAX patches which provide a layer of defense against memory safety-related vulnerabilities.
For installing a custom kernel, see Custom Kernel. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with apk add before running setup-alpine.
Firmware
The linux-firmware meta-package is included in the default installation, and depends on all firmware. It is a large download. You may be better served by installing only the firmware you need (see linux-firmware-*), or linux-firmware-none if you do not require any firmware. If you're unsure which firmware you need, boot with no firmware installed and run dmesg | grep firmware to get an idea. Be aware that most firmware is non-free.
Experimental Kernels
Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at your own risk.
- linux-asahi — Apple Silicon devices, see https://asahilinux.org/
- linux-elm — Elm chromebooks
- linux-gru — Gru chromebooks
- linux-sophgo — Sophgo RISC-V SoC's
- linux-p550 — SiFive P550 RISC-V SoC's
- linux-starfive — Starfive RISC-V SoC's
- linux-spacemit — SpacemiT RISC-V SoC's